Justice reform is a key part of the April 19 agreement ... This is a precondition for financial assistance

According to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the reform of the justice system is key in the April 19 agreement. As he said after meetings in Batumi with the President, the Prime Minister and members of the opposition, it is the justice reform that is a precondition for EU macro-financial assistance to Georgia.

Today I have arrived in Georgia to attend the Batumi International Conference. I had the opportunity to meet with President Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Gharibashvili and opposition leaders to discuss the implementation of the April 19 agreement. My main message is that the implementation of the April 19 agreement is the main guarantee that Georgia will exercise its democratic order in the interests of the people. Consolidated advancement of the rule of law in this direction through political and judicial reforms is particularly important. Justice reform is key in the April 19 agreement. And this is a precondition for EU macro-financial assistance to Georgia. The speedy appointment of Supreme Court judges does not fully reflect the results of consultations that have taken place with international partners and locally involved individuals. It's a missed opportunity," said Charles Michel.

Charles Michel, also spoke about the protection of minority rights and freedom of the press.

According to him, all his meetings in Georgia began with talks on human rights and explaining that this is the most important part of Georgia-EU relations.

The main and central role is human rights and freedoms, which play such an important part in EU-Georgia relations. Minority rights are not a marginal issue. Respect for diversity and human dignity is an important and key issue in our fundamental values. Constitutional rights to freedom of the press, as well as freedom of expression, must be protected," said Charles Michel.